Patriots QB Brady cleared to play

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has been medically cleared and will play in Friday night's preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to NFL.com.

Brady went down with a left knee injury in practice Wednesday when the Patriots and Buccaneers were scrimmaging. Bucs defensive end Adrian Clayborn pushed Patriots left tackle Nate Solder into Brady after he threw a pass.

The injury was treated as a sprain.

Brady wore a brace over the knee during another joint practice Thursday. He was reportedly moving around without a limp.

"He felt great back there, making all the throws, not hobbling around," Patriots guard Logan Mankins told ESPN. "That's always a good sign."

Backup Ryan Mallet and third-stringer Tim Tebow should also get playing time.